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Small Fatigue Chamber
Parent Body: Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), South Arm Site, Rosyth Royal Dockyard, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, KY11 2XR
Principal Functions
Cyclic pressure testing of models.
Subsidiary Functions
Static pressure testing.
General Details
The Small Fatigue Chamber is primarily intended for use
in the cyclic pressure testing of submarine models using the ‘soft cycling’
principle. Using this, models are attached to the chamber closure plate and subjected to
internal cyclic pressure, while pressure on the outside of the model is maintained
constant. This produces the desired external compressive loading cycle, with the advantage
of preventing fatigue damage to the chamber. In addition, static pressure testing may be
carried out readily in this chamber, which uses fresh water as the pressuring medium.
Specification
The chamber is 1.5m in diameter and has a parallel
length of approximately 4m. The maximum working pressure is 18MN/m2 (2,600psi) and the maximum cycling frequency is 4cpm, this being dependent on the
characteristics of the model under test.
Special Features
Support staff for the operation of the facility are
provided. A comprehensive Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) service is offered for the
detection, monitoring and sizing of defects in the structures under test. A multichannel
PC based datalogger is available for use with extensively instrumented models.
Availability
The facility is available to other bodies in both the
private and public sector. There are no restrictions on the type of body that can apply to
use the facility. Six months advance notice is required when asking for time on the
facility.
Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to negotiation, there is a
possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement.
Site Access
The site has ready access for vehicles and local
accommodation is available for the hirer’s staff.
Contact Information
David Hitcheson
DERA
South Arm
Rosyth Royal Dockyard
Dunfermline
Fife
KY11 2XR
Scotland
Telephone: 01383 435372 Fax: 01383 435237
E-mail: dghitcheson@dera.gov.uk
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